The gloves have ancient origins, their use in fact, was already known by the populations of ancient Egypt, as evidenced by the discovery of this particular accessory in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and the ancient Greeks, the Romans and the Lombards used gloves especially as a statement of prestige. In the Middle Ages their use was widespread among the highest social classes with a typology corresponding to the different ranks. During this period the glove takes on a symbolic value so much that it is used in the investitures of feudal lords, in the consecration of bishops and also in a sign of challenge. But it is above all in France that the use of gloves becomes a real and refined accessory of clothing, both for men and women.
But if France was recognized in 1600 the best workmanship of the glove, in the following century, the art of gloves spread in Italy, it is in Naples that begins to reach a high level of workmanship and beauty. The history of Naples is so closely linked to gloves that there are entire streets and neighborhoods dedicated to gloves. The great Neapolitan tradition began in 1737, when Ferdinand of Bourbon called to Naples the greatest Viennese glove master: Luigi Balastron. Since then, Neapolitan artisans have managed to earn the title of masters in the art of making gloves, to become the most appreciated in the world.
Since then the Neapolitan glove acquires a predominant role across the border, especially in the production of leather gloves, even in the following centuries. In the 60s a real pole was created, in the "ancient" Naples, as many Neapolitans will remember, in areas such as Sanità and Capodimonte. In the 60s a real pole was created, in the "ancient" Naples, as many Neapolitans will remember, in areas such as Sanità and Capodimonte. In the 60s of the last century in the Sanità district there were hundreds of families and thousands of men and women who worked the leather for the manufacture of gloves. The neighborhood was a small industrial district, starting from Borgo Vergini and up the streets and alleys of the Cristallini of Via Sanità and Santa Maria Antesaecula, Salita Cinesi and Capodimonte, with Via Fontanelle, and up to the Rione Materdei.
Whole families dedicated to the rich, meticulous and very difficult manual work. A whole slice of the Campania economy (national, given that 90% of world exports of gloves were made in Naples), produced through a fine manufacturing and, above all, an excellent quality of the product. Naples still today for the number of companies and the quality of the product, continues to be a particularly significant international reality in the field of gloves and this is certainly due to the skill of our glove craftsmen who, with their skill and their unquestionable talent, continue to preserve this ancient art, certainly proud of being able to pass it on to young Neapolitans who intend to learn the techniques and the skilful craftsmanship of the art of gloves.
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